NotReallyHere

Not sure if this has already been stated. I can't bear to read through all 5 pages of this thread. The woman needs to provide documentation to increase her credibility if she's asking for money on GoFundMe. Too many scams there. I would expect to see: Itemized hospital bill Police report Copy of her insurance ID card to prove she has insurance and was covered for motorcycling International Driver's License Copy of emails with insurance company showing they either will not pay or are "dragging their feet". She has to explain why the insurance company hasn't paid. Is it her fault? No money or sympathy from me until I know her sad case is legitimate.

I haven't seen any mention of her being arrested or apprehended. That is the point. Emphasis is always that she is returning on her own free will. If she was arrested/apprehended, she would not be acting on her own free will. I wouldn't put it past the RTP to let her go on her own recognizance. They are playing up the "high morals of Thai citizens" angle. Wouldn't make any sense if she were behind bars, waiting extradition.

Stuff happens. I went to a very peaceful school in the West in the 80's. Nevertheless, I was witness to a knife fight (also over a girl). The assailant stole the huge carving knife from the home economics room. Stab was aimed at the jugular, but fortunately the victim managed to get a hand in the way. Only a minor puncture wound in the neck after the knife when through the hand. True, an isolated incident, but no grander conclusions to be drawn other than "hormonal boys do stupid things".

The conclusion you draw from this incident is a bit extreme. Plenty of knife fights happened in the past but were not quickly presented for public consumption/critic. How many kids did not get into a knife fight this week?

Personally, I preferred flying to Penang, Malaysia, back when I had to do visa runs. Penang has a Thai Consulate. I had next day service when applying for a Thai tourist visa (2018/2019). Only mentioning it to the OP as an option to consider.

Amazing how the Thai government is trying to spin this into a positive example of Thais standing up for their misdeeds. She has been in country since January 5th. She avoided police who went to her home in Chonburi multiple times. She was captured 6 weeks after arrival on the other side of Thailand, near the Myanmar border where she was contemplating crossing the border. It was only after her capture that she "came to her senses". In a news report I read (which I assume is translated from the statement she gave to the Thai police), she saw Brian and the Uber parked on the side of the road. Then she realized she hit something and thought is was a deer. What? A deer? Standing next to a human and an Uber? Does she expect anyone to believe that? If she gets less than 10 years, (failing to provide aid, fleeing the country, vehicular manslaughter), I will be very disappointed (but not surprised). I hope this trial gets plenty of press in the US. And let's not forget. She was not arrested and she is not in the US yet...

Is there any topic that can't be twisted into a conspiracy theory?

Possibly drunk. Would explain the excessive speed, poor judgement in deciding not to stop and an attempt to avoid a drunk driving charge (among other charges).

Maybe the they could teach in a driving school. Oh, wait...

As if the bullies would admit to bullying, especially after one of their targets attempts suicide. Teachers don't want to be accused of letting bullying get out of control.

Jeeeeesus Christ...

There are VERY easy ways around this if she has the support of Thai relatives. I won't post examples here, but will say things are not as closely monitored here as they are in the West.

I am not a big fan of Fox News. That being said, there is a good article with video posted a few hours ago. Interview with the Sheriff of the the district. https://www.foxnews.com/us/michigan-sheriff-worried-woman-charged-college-students-hit-run-death-try-avoiding-extradition

Warrants have been issued by the US police.

Yes, and why didn't they put the house under surveillance and wait for her instead of repeated visits. I would imagine they have her license plate number, cellphone number and bank account numbers. Should be able to locate her pretty easily with those unless her Thai family are supplying her with alternate resources. They should monitor the known family members also. Expensive and labor intensive, but I don't think the RTP are too busy...

Of course I hope all the pedophiles are caught and punished to the full extent of the law, but what really concerns me are the children. Will they be identified and rescued or will the abuse continue?

But that's just it... The RTP spokesman in the article said the US authorities have NOT contacted the Thai authorities yet. See the statement immediately above the picture of her and her BMW. That's why she wasn't apprehended when she spent a month at her registered residence. (January 5th through February 8th).

Nobody's crying... Life is good...

But how can we know the "tips" are going to petty cash? The Immigration Officer I was dealing with was very "polished". Lots of jewelry and an expensive handbag. Flaunting her wealth, basically. Not the usual understated government attire.

This is an interesting comment. Are you saying I was rude? I'm not following you.

Interesting. I'll look for a sign the next time I go to my Immigration Office. On the one hand, a sign is a good thing because it sets boundaries, but on the other hand it demonstrates that tipping was problematic there in the past. Reminds me of some of my experiences in massage shops. I've seen "No Sex" signs posted at entrance, but was still offered sex when inside.

Unfortunately, I was solo. I didn't realize it wasn't a standard price until after I had paid, but I agree with you in principle. That's why I don't use "agents". Yes, they provide a service, but I suspect part of that service is "tipping" the immigration officer. I can xerox, sort and staple my own documents. And I have all the time in the world.

That's quite a history. I guess in the future, I'll go to the immigration office with a large stack of small bills. Not sure what the going rate will be. Need to be prepared for anything. Sounds like the issue might also be which Immigration officer I am assigned.

not really...

Thanks for the advice. I'm just surprised they "got me". I moved recently from an expat "hotbed" to a more remote location in Thailand. Sticking it to the Farang seems to be worse here. Restaurants, transportation, housing and now even the Immigration office.